Obituary for Billy Ray Locklin
Billy Ray Locklin, age 83 of Rockdale passed away the afternoon of Friday, November 8, 2019 while in the Seton Medical Center in Round Rock. He was preceded in death by his parents J.V. and Clara (Jackson) Locklin. Siblings Ola Mae West, Mabel Upickson, Revy Jackson, Velma Mitchell, Lester Locklin, O.J. Locklin, Harvey Locklin, Arthur Ray Locklin. His wife Laura (Smith) Locklin and grandson Raylyn Julius Whiteside. He was a member and Deacon of Springfield Baptist Church for 65 years, a professional football player for 10 years and an Alcoa employee for 35 years.
Billy Ray led many of us to believe “where there is a will, there is a way.” He loved to tell the story of his journey as a football player. He started with the guidance and high expectations of Coach Johnson at the segregated Aycock High School in Rockdale. One afternoon while standing by the mailbox in front of his home, a New Mexico State Aggie recruiter came by and asked Billy Ray where he could find two of his fellow players so he could offer them scholarships. He replied, “What about me? How can I get a scholarship?” The recruiter told him if he came out to Las Cruces he could try out for the team and maybe get a scholarship. He hitchhiked his way to Las Cruces and was paired up against a huge Native American. With determination to make the team, he plowed his opponent down. He was a first-round draft pick as a defensive end for the Los Angeles Chargers. He continued his career with the Oakland Raiders in 1960. In 1961-1964 he played with the Montreal Alouettes. From 1965-1970 he played with the Hamilton Tiger Cats and won two Grey Cups in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was a CFL All-Star three times (1965, 1966, and 1968) and CFL East All-Star five times.
His three sons Ray (Las Cruces, New Mexico), Kerry (Las Cruces, New Mexico/Toronto, Ontario), and Kim (Fresno, California) followed in his footsteps to New Mexico State University and on to play professional football as well. He currently has two grandsons who were granted football scholarships to further their education. Tymon Locklin at New Mexico State University, and Torry Locklin at University of Kansas.
Billy Ray also leaves his daughter Lynn Whiteside (A.J.), Rockdale, Texas, granddaughters Dr. Candace Canady (Dr. Alton), Houston, Texas, Jaycinee Foster, Salt Lake City, Utah, Emma Locklin, Colchester, Vermont, Tishelle Locklin, Fresno, California and a host of nieces and nephews who loved and admired him as a father figure.
Services are scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Springfield Missionary Baptist Church in Rockdale, with Dr. Dennis L. Brooks, Sr. officiating. Burial will follow in the Oak Lawn Cemetery in Rockdale. Visitation will be Friday, November 15, 2019 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Rockdale.
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